Nerves
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-18-02 01:25
I walked the halls and gave a couple of greetings to some of the students who had not gone to Hogsmeade or had just returned. Knowing that Finals were upon the school I didn't know who was more nervous: me or the students.
"Alright stay calm." I told myself as I climbed the stairs to second floor corridor. "You don't want to blow it." At that moment I felt it was the wrong choice of words and then decided to go to see Madam Pomfrey I knew one of her Tummy Tingler Remedies would do the trick.
Reaching the Hospital Wing I saw Madam Pomfrey tending to a student and sat in a nearby chair. I remember a few times going to her for some of my hurts and ills as a student and she always had a kind word for me (that's if I followed her orders.)
She had just finished with her patient and turned around. "I'm sorry but visitin' hours are over Miss...." She looked at me a bit puzzled then broke out into a smile. "Angelina Logan is that you?" She gave a cheery greeting and then a hug. "It's been ages."
Smiling back and accepting the hug I then let her go. "It has been awhile I thought I would just drop by to see you and also to tell you I have the Snap Dragons you need for your Pepper Up Potion." She looked at me again and shook her head, "Oh no it isn't you look green to the gills come I'll give you just the thing."
She took me to her office and we sat down. Going to a cabinet she took out a blue bottle and a cup opening the bottle she poured the contents into the cup and handed it to me. "Drink it." She said and I took it; My stomach seemed to feel like it was being tickled and I felt warm. "Better?" She asked and I gave a small burp to which I promptly excused myself and nodded.
She sat down at her desk and gave a sigh. "Now till the potion takes on its full effect tell me what you've been to all these years?"
Friday, May
31st: Last Day of School
Author: Hermione Granger
Date: 09-18-02 18:18
On this morning, like on any other since the final Hogsmeade trip of the year, Hermione and Ron quietly and pensively sat side by side on an over-stuffed sofa in the common room. Both were terribly distraught because their best friend, Harry Potter, disappeared nearly three weeks ago.
Everyone feared the worst, naturally, not only because the wizarding world was growing more perilous day by day, but because Harry Potter was the Dark Lord's mortal enemy. Although no one knew for sure, everyone speculated that Voldemort had somehow captured Harry. The question that now lay before the wizarding world was, is Harry Potter still alive?
Hermione desperately wished it to be so. She had never cried so much in her entire life. Even now, as she and Ron silently sat next to one another, the tears simply trickled down Hermione's somber face.
The day after the trip, when it had been discovered that Harry had gone missing, both Ron and Hermione had immediately gone to Professor McGonagall, expressing their concern. McGonagall had brought the news to Professor Dumbledore, who in turn had alerted the necessary authorities to search for Harry.
Just as Dumbledore had feared, no trails led to Harry. A few days later, Dumbledore had made a very grave announcement to the entire school. He stressed that everyone should remain in their respective common rooms at all times except for when going to class or to eat a meal. If anyone needed to leave the common rooms for other reasons, such as going to the library or the hospital wing, a prefect or professor would need to escort that person around the school.
In addition to Dumbledore's announcement to the whole school, he had called people like Hermione and Ron to his office to question them about the day of Harry's disappearance. Unfortunately, neither had any helpful insights for Professor Dumbledore's investigation. Hermione hadn't seen him since the day before the trip, and Ron only saw Harry briefly in the morning.
Approximately a week later, everyone who had questioned Dumbeldore's sudden precautions had learned the true story. Gryffindor House and the entire school had possibly lost one of the finest wizards the world had ever seen. All hope wasn't lost, however. Hermione and Ron desperately tried to think of what had befallen their friend and who could have aided in his abduction. With each passing day and no clues, it really did seem as if it all hope was lost.
On top of grieving for Harry, everyone had end of the year exams to worry about. It was especially hard on Hermione and Ron, who were supposed to be taking the OWLs tomorrow morning. It certainly had been very beneficial that Hermione had gotten a headstart in her preparation, and that she had gotten Ron to crack his books open early as well. Concentration, if not motivation, was scarce now that their minds and hearts were longing for Harry's safe return.
Nevertheless, although they knew that nothing was more important than Harry's well-being, the exams would be carrying on, and they had to do well. That afternoon, the pair only had Muggle Studies and planned on getting some last minute tutoring on Herbology from Miss Logan. It would be a momentary distraction, which is probably what both Hermione and Ron needed.
No Classes
Today
Author: Draco Malfoy
Date: 09-18-02 19:41
Reveling in the misfortunes of another was one of Draco's favorite pasttimes. Although today was technically designated as the last day of class at Hogwarts, for Draco, classes had ended yesterday. Thus, he found great satisfaction in knowing that while he was enjoying an early vacation, other students still had to attend class today. True, Draco probably should use his free day to do some last minute preparation for tomorrow's OWL exams, but why waste a wonderful day by spending time with school books when he could be doing something less stressful? Besides, Draco was fairly confident he'd ace the exams.
So, Draco sunk into an armchair in a corner of the common room and thought about the many things that had gone on in the past few weeks. In particular, his thoughts centered around what could possibly be the best news he'd ever heard. Poor Potty has gotten himself lost. A cruel smirk played on Draco's lips as he thought about all the horrible things that may have befallen the Gryffindor hero.
"What are you smiling about?"
Draco snapped out of his whirlwind of thoughts and found Clara standing before him, a smile on her face. He returned her smile and pulled her into his lap.
"I was just thinking about Potter. Do you think that pathetic excuse for a wizard finally got what was coming for him?" Draco cocked his head sideways.
Clara grinned. "Oh, I hope so."
"The whole school's been talking about it," Draco murmured, pondering aloud. "I'm sure the rumors are true...Do you think he's dead?"
"I don't know..." Clara answered, shrugging.
Draco leaned back in the chair and furrowed his brow.
Impatiently
Waiting
Author: Majandra
Date: 09-18-02 20:16
Majandra sits on her bed, books spread open before her, but her mind isn't on studying for tomorrow's O.W.L.s. Like most of Gryffindor House, Majandra is concerned about Harry Potter. He's been missing for twenty days and so far there's been no word if Harry is dead or alive nor has anyone been able to determine just how he was taken. His disappearance has greatly affected the entire school, putting restrictions on the students being out of doors, which is why on such a gorgeous spring morning when she has no classes, Majandra is sitting in her dorm room rather than outside.
The other person weighing heavily on Majandra's mind is George. Within hours of returning to school from Hogsmeade, both Fred and Majandra had wondered what in hell they'd been thinking. Neither could understand the growing feelings they'd had for each other for several weeks. That evening, together in the common room, Fred and Majandra had each taken a look at the other and saw nothing more than a good friend sitting there. The realization of what they'd done hit them hard. To make matters worse, they couldn't figure out why they'd done it or how to explain to George. If he would have listened that is.
In the nearly three weeks since that horrible day, George has refused to talk to either of them. He only stays in a room where either Fred or Majandra or both are if he has no other choice. Not that Majandra can blame him for that. Fred and she hurt George badly. Being betrayed by a girlfriend is bad enough. Being betrayed by one's trusted and beloved brother too ghastly for words.
Today though Fred and Majandra are bound and determined to make George hear them out. She's not expecting George to readily forgive her but Majandra cares too much for George not to at least help Fred attempt to heal the growing rift between the brothers. The plan is to get George alone in a room and not let him leave until he hears them out. All this is to take place, with a little help from a few friends, right after the boys get out of DADA at eleven.
Majandra wipes her teary eyes for the thousandth time today and impatiently tries to focus on studying until time to put the plan into action.
Slyvan Glades,
England: Natal Day
Author: Belladonna
Date: 09-19-02 00:10
Bella sipped the mimosa at the breakfast table while ignoring the stares of her father, who was on auto lecture. He seemed angry and confused, with a touch of slight amusement and a hint of lecturing against his will.
"My God, you two are still hitting the booze? After last night, I expected the pack of you to be passed out. Must have consumed a good liter of champagne each. Talk about being drunk as lords when it's the ladies who get drunk. I'm surprised the police didn't arrest everyone for having an orgy.
Think it's funny, Dylan? It's not and you should be ashamed of yourself too. You could have owled me that your sisters were having a wild birthday party at the Elusian Fields. I wash my hands of all of you and you better all damn well appear sober at tonight's ball, or else I'm getting drunk so as to be able to ignore you."
Bella caught her twin sister's eyes at the table and giggled as her father rolled his eyes. Last night had been hell raising in the extreme. After her last class, she'd met John to go to a party Liam was throwing for her 23rd birthday. Well, he was giving it for Izzy too, which was worse. It had prophesied to be one of those days when she found herself changing from robes to clubbing gear in a car speeding over 200 hundred kilometers an hour. When she had entered on John's arm to the tune of Dancing Queen, she had been handed a glass and the drinking hadn't stopped until the Muggle police closed the club due to something called disturbing the peace.
She, Izzy, Dylan, Luc, Brynn, and John had thankfully managed to stumble back to her flat and mix up some anti-hangover potion that prevented drunken apparation and had arrived at Slyvan Glades, the country seat of Sir Anthony and Lady Stella in time for breakfast and a lecture. Preparations for a lavish birthday ball were going on, and the house would be filled with laughter and merriment, not to mention guests that night.
Bella speared a piece of sausage while giving John's hand a little squeeze under the table. He had been so good to take her to that wild party last night and put up with her family today, even if she was spending a week at Blenheim after the weekend at home. If that wasn't love, had to be stupidity. Either way, she was quite lucky.
She felt safe with him and that was important. Harry Potter was missing, and You-Know-Who may have been behind it. She didn't even want to think about his coming back.
{Location
Unknown}: Still Here
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 09-19-02 08:54
Voldemort had finally clued in that physical torture and pain wasn't enough to crack me. My response to such was to curse loudly and promise a lifetime in Azkaban. So they had gone on to emotional torture, which is MUCH worse. I was put into a smaller cell, about the size of a walk-in closet. I am accustomed to wide, open spaces, such as on my farm in Ireland. That is why I chose to live in Hogsmeade, apart from being so close to Hogwarts, it was a small village such as I preferred. Claustrophobia was quickly becoming unbearable. Not, though, enough for me to crack. Thought the thought that I may end up like Frank Longbottom had crossed my mind a few times. I didn't dwell on that though. I was determined, somehow, to get out of here.
But then, after being here for a month...or two...or however long, a new edge had developed. Somehow, Voldemort had captured my godson. Voldemort himself had came to gloat about this. He also states quite clearly that if I value Harry's life and safety I should start being more cooperative.
More time had passed, I still hadn't told what my plans were. I knew Harry was alive, because Voldemort would be only TOO pleased to break the news to me if he hadn't. I had to let Harry know he's not alone here, that there is a friend Even if I couldn't actuary talk to him, perhaps if he was being held somewhere close, he could hear me and know that I am trying to help.
"Let me see him!" I demanded.
"I don't think you are in a position to give orders, Auror."
"Where is Harry? I want to see him NOW!"
"Will you tell us your plans?"
"I'll not tell you anything, ever."
"Even when Harry Potter's life depends on it?"
"You'd kill him anyway, if you could. Which you can't." The old trick, get the enemy mad to give you and advantage.
"I am the greatest wizard! I can do anything."
"You're wrong, Tom Marvollo Riddle the are many wizard greater than you. There had been greater wizards, and always will be. Could you outwit the Dannans? Amgerin did! Eiriu has an island named after her. Merlin is almost as great as Amergin and Taleisin too! And, of course Albus Dumbledore! And you know this, Riddle! You are afraid of him! AS you should be!" I speak quieter now, but in the silent halls, it will carry. "You already lost, you lost long ago. And this time, when you are defeated, it will be permanently. This time when all the wizards celebrate your downfall I will be amongst them!"
Word Travels
Fast
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-19-02 14:05
As Madam Pomfrey and I talked, I fiiled her in on myself. Then the conversation turned to the disappearance of the student Harry Potter and the rules Dumbledore set for us and the students till he is found. "There are so many places around here he could be," Pomfrey said. "I just hope he is found before He-Who-Is-Not-Named finds him."
I nodded for Lord Voldemort was evil itself and even though weak was capable of having his followers do anything for him sense his return and because most of them fear him for leaving him in the first place that makes it only worse for Harry or any other wizard or witch who crosses his path.
I looked at my watch and saw it was time to leave and prepare for the Finals. I thanked Madam Pomfrey and left wondering where Harry was.
Studying in
the Common Room
Author: Bronwyn Dewhurst
Date: 09-19-02 18:40
Nothing could be more devastating than losing someone you care deeply for. As Bronwyn sat cuddled up in an armchair in the Hufflepuff common room, her mind wandered from Harry Potter to his dear friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. She could hardly imagine what they must be going through right now, and silently she hoped that everything would be fine in the end.
Time and time again, Harry Potter had proven himself to be very resilient to Voldemort and his tricks. There was no doubt that most everyone hoped that this time wouldn't be any different from the previous showdowns.
Bronwyn felt a gently prod in her arm and turned her head to see Kendra poking her with a quill. Kendra then tapped it against the open book in Bronwyn's lap a few times to remind her best friend what should be the center of her attention. "Concentrate, Bron. I know it's hard, especially since...you know, but this is important too."
Nodding, Bronwyn tried to push any unpleasant thoughts from her head. She and Kendra didn't have any classes today and had decided on using the day to prepare for next week's final exams. Toby and Hunter would be joining them after their last Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
Boredom Cut
Short
Author: Lysander Stratford
Date: 09-19-02 19:38
Despite the fact that something very exciting was occurring in the wizarding world at this very moment, namely that the Dark Lord had captured his greatest foe, nothing exciting was occurring in Twice Told Tales that morning.
In fact, business had been so slow today that Lysander found himself meticulously straightening the books on the bookshelves so that all of their spines lined up perfectly. Chyler was in the office doodling on invoices and other such documents, and Julian was lounging in one of the comfortable armchairs with old travel books in his lap.
As Lysander organized the books, his mind drifted to the gift Voldemort had given them. Realizing its importance, the three had immediately stowed it away in a special vault in the secret chamber. They were all incredibly grateful to receive such a present from the great and powerful Dark Lord, and they vowed to continually serve him well.
At the chime of the bell at the entrance, the men's heads swiveled around, and Chyler poked her head out of the office door. Finally, on this incredibly slow day, someone had come to the bookstore.
Unfortunately, the guest wasn't a perspective buyer, and he was anything but wanted.
"What are you doing here, Weasley?" Lysander narrowed his eyes and took a few steps towards the figure in the doorway.
Bill returned Lysander's cold stare and answered, "I'm just looking around. You don't mind, do you? No? Thanks."
"Actually, we do mind." Julian had gotten to his feet and walked over to where Lysander was standing.
Bill smirked. "I thought as much, but I'm here under official business." He drew some documents from his pocket and thrust them out at Julian. Knowing that the Stratfords and Valentine would be against him snooping around the shop, Bill had gone to Dumbledore for some official documents, which were supposed to validate his investigations.
While Julian was reading through the papers, Bill took the opportunity to brush past him. This didn't settle well with Lysander, however. He darted after Bill and grabbed his arm, pulling the redhead to a stop.
"We won't have you nosing around in here, Weasley."
Bill arched an eyebrow at Lysander and then shifted his gaze to the olive-toned hand clenched around his bicep.
"Lysander, let him go." Julian looked up from the documents he was reading and smiled. "We've got nothing to hide."
Scowling, Lysander dropped Bill's arm and quickly strode into the office, where Chyler was watching the whole display with clear contempt written across her lovely face. She sighed and drew her husband into a hug. "Don't let him get to you, love. He just wants to make you angry."
"I know," Lysander replied, sighing deeply.
Re: Studying
in the Common Room
Author: Amerah Patterson
Date: 09-19-02 21:00
The news of Harry's disappearance came as a great shock and was very scary. Harry had been known to survive Voldemort before. I just hope he did the same. This was the worst time to get frightened or shocked, the end of the year, with exams coming up. Studying for exams seemed impossible. My mark were good so I was pretty sure I'd get in again next year, but if I failed exams, that would plummet my marks drastically.
Another Argument
Author: Clara Devaki
Date: 09-19-02 21:34
As Draco leaned back in his chair, Clara sat watching him with her usual smirk, a bit brighter than usual at her thoughts of no Harry Potter, and being quite content on Draco's lap. She sat thinking about the situation, her hand interlocking with her beau's. No Potter could mean a lot of things.
"What, joined at the hip are we?"
Clara, all thoughts moving to the back of her mind, looked up to see Tempest, smirking at the couple. Returning the smirk, she replied "What? Jealous?"
"Me? HA" Tempest rolled her eyes. "Anyways...I just came back from the Great Hall, where someone was supposed to meet me..."
Clara's eyes shifted, avoiding her friend's gaze. "Uh...." She glanced at Draco, who seemed lost in thought. "So I'mma little late...shall we go now?"
Tempest shrugged. "I guess...is he coming too?"
"Dunno..." Clara stood up. "Draco? You coming?"
"What? Oh...Hey Temp." The Slytherin boy glanced at them, just realizing there were two there.
Shaking her head, Tempest responded. "Hey...so are you coming or what?"
"Oh I think I'll catch up later, alright?"
"Kay." Tempest grabbed Clara's wrist. "Shall we?"
"Yea...yea..." Clara glanced at Draco and said goodbye. "Let's go."
Heading towards the Great Hall, the best friends continued their playing argument. "Ya know...you're not as much fun as you used to be, Clara."
"What??" Clara's smirk became a scowl. "I'm just as fun as I've always been."
Tempest gave her friend a yuh huh look. "Ever since you and Draco, it's always him your with."
"Not true..." Clara glanced down, then looked up again. "Besides, you're that one the encouraged the thing. You're the one that let it slip to him how I felt. So why the big deal?"
"Oh...nothing. Besides...we'll have plenty of time for plotting this summer."
"Um...not all summer."
Tempest seemed shocked. "Wataya mean?"
"Well..." Clara started. "While you were playing sick during the last Hogsmeade trip, Draco asked me to visit him this summer...and I kinda...accepted."
"What?" Tempest sighed. "Well...alright then...I guess I understand..." Going quiet, she walked ahead of Clara on the way to the Great Hall.
Clara watched after her friend, sighed, then followed. Would the arguments never end?
Late Start
to the Day
Author: Isolde
Date: 09-20-02 18:18
After getting up rather late, Isolde padded down the hallway and stopped before the girl's bathroom. She spied Pyrrhus coming in her direction and noticed that he, too, must have just gotten up as well. He was rubbing sleep from his eyes and slowly walking to the boy's bathroom.
"Good morning," Isolde said, running a hand through her tangled hair.
Pyrrhus stifled a yawn and came over to give her a peck on the cheek. "Isn't it closer to noon time?"
Isolde laughed. "I'm not sure."
"Oh, well. Meet me for lunch in a bit?"
Nodding, Isolde reached for the door knob of the girl's bathroom and replied, "It's a date."
Somewhere
in the Colorado Rockies
Author: Blossom
Date: 09-20-02 18:45
Slamming shut her Theory and Practical Applications of Magic text and running fingers through her thick, chestnut hair, Blossom Wedgewood sighs loudly. The head librarian, Mrs. Plumley, shoots a glare at Blossom for disturbing the perfect peace of her sanctum but says nothing when she observes the girl cramming books into a pack. With what is most likely her last goodbye to Mrs. Plumley, Blossom gives the woman a friendly wave as she walks past on her way out of the library.
Walking down to the Great Common of Watling's Wizarding Academy, Blossom goes to stand at a large bay window to enjoy the view of the late afternoon sun over the Rocky Mountains. Ten minutes later, she exits the large room and heads toward the dining hall. The delicious aromas wafting her way make her stomach rumbling so Blossom quickens her pace.
Sitting at the Falcon House table, Blossom joins some of her fellow seventh year housemates in an animated discussion about their upcoming N.E.W.T.s, scheduled to be given Monday afternoon. The talk soon turns from trying to guess what questions will be asked on the test to plans for after graduation. This is Blossom's cue to clam up because for the time being, she prefers not to share with even her closest friends that she's moving to England the second she qualifies for her apparating license. Everyone, afterall, is entitled to have a secret or two.
Operation
Apology
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 09-20-02 19:39
George - We need to talk. You. Me. Majandra.
Fred slid the note across the surface of the desk he shared with his twin, George. All the while, he keep his eyes on Professor Figg, who was detailing some last minute Dark Arts problems for tomorrow's NEWT exams. There were only a few minutes of class left, and the majority of the students were getting very restless.
George's eyes fell over the note, but he didn't pick it up for a closer inspection, nor did he shove it back to Fred. Fred did notice, however, that George looked angrier than ever. Getting George alone in a room to talk might be more difficult than Fred anticipated.
Or, maybe not. After the bell sounded and Professor Figg dismissed the class, George took Fred aside in the hallway and said curtly, "You two get five minutes."
Fred nodded and breathed his thanks, and the two boys made the long march up the seven flights of stairs to get to the Gryffindor Tower. The walk was made in excruciating silence, but at least George was walking with his brother. They hadn't walked the halls together in over three weeks. It was refreshing, but at the same time, Fred knew that George may never forgive him.
I could plead insanity, thought Fred to himself. Yeah, breaking up with Samantha made me go crazy. Maybe dating her in the first place made me crazy. No, leave her out of this. This was all you, Fred. Great. I'm talking to myself in my head. I really am off my trolley!
Fred sighed heavily and shook his head until he realized George was scowling at him. He's never going to forgive me. Refraining from sighing aloud again, Fred turned his attention to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?"
Fred cleared his throat and mumbled, "Cave canem."
The portrait swung open, and Fred gestured for George to enter the common room first.
